Awards

The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and their representatives will be present. The contest consists of four KCBS categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork & beef brisket) which are required entry in order to qualify for the Grand Championship. Prizes are also awarded in individual categories. Optional categories are the Showmanship Award, Anything Butt, and Governor's Award. There is $17,000 in cash prizes with 56 opportunities to win. For complete information on award categories and prizes, download our Awards flyer.

TROPHIES

The 2009 Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down trophies were designed and created by Ian Kessler-Gowell. The trophies are hand blown glass on a marble base and are being commissioned specially for this event. Ian holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and has worked with glass artist Rick Sherbert in Maryland. He is currently a resident artist at the EnergyXchange in Burnsville, NC focusing on functional glass design, lighting and sculptural forms.

This year's Grand Champion trophy, shown below, is a large piece measuring over two feet in height.

The EnergyXchange is a nationally acknowledged organization using alternative energy sources to make a positive impact on the local economy and environment. Initially taking advantage of gases emitted by a closed landfill to fuel gas furnaces for glass and pottery making, the EnergyXchange has additionally explored solar, wind, and wood waste fuel sources. They have expanded the facilities to include greenhouses with aquaponic abilities and raise rare and native North Carolina plants which are being introduced as alternative cash crops for area farmers.

More information about Ian can be found at www.ianckg.com. More information about EnergyXchange can be found at www.energyxchange.org.

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